ADVANCE | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Middle English: from Old French avance (noun), avancer (verb), from late Latin abante ‘in front’, from ab ‘from’ + ante ‘before’. The initial a- was erroneously assimilated to ad- in the 16th century

move forward in a purposeful way

move forwards

• she stood up and advanced toward him
• the troops advanced on the capital

make or cause to make progress

make progress

• our knowledge is advancing all the time
• it was a chance to advance his own interests

put forward (a theory or suggestion)

put forward theory

• the hypothesis I wish to advance in this article

lend (money) to (someone)

lend money

• the building society advanced them a loan

a forward movement

forward movement

• the rebels' advance on Madrid was well under way
• the advance of civilization

a development or improvement

development/improvement

• advances in engineering techniques
• decades of great scientific advance

an amount of money paid before it is due or for work only partly completed

sum paid in advance

• the author was paid a £250,000 advance

an approach made to someone with the aim of initiating sexual or amorous relations

sexual approach

• her tutor made advances to her

done, sent, or supplied beforehand

done beforehand

• advance notice
• advance warning
• advance payment